Swimming in Lake Te Koutu (now Te Koo Utu)

    -  

Waikato Times 26 February 1887

A large concourse of people met in the Cambridge Domain yesterday to witness the swimming races, organised by the headmaster, Mr Stewart and a committee of old boys.  The prizes were given by the townspeople.

The proceedings commenced at 2pm by a procession of 20 persons who swam around a portion of the lake, after which the regular programme was commenced.

In the Duck Hunt, P Richardson caught the duck, while Paltridge gained the prize for walking the greasy boom.

During the height of the carnival, some planks gave way on the platform near the dressing sheds and a number of spectators were precipitated into the water and there was considerable laughter at their expense.

During an interval in the programme, Professor Pannell gave an exhibition of fancy swimming, etc.  He took his position on the springboard commencing his exhibition with a neat dive.

It is estimated that fully 500 people witnessed the carnival and everybody had an uninterrupted view of the whole proceedings from the banks, which made a natural grandstand.

Beer Research Notes, Accession 799/2
Diving illustration Getty stock image